'Leadership, Organizational Skills, And Compassion': Santa Cruz Hero

SANTA CRUZ, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Stoney Brook who nominated Chris Cottingham of Santa Cruz.

Local hero’s full name

Chris Cottingham

Local hero’s home state

California

Local hero’s Patch

Santa Cruz

How do you know the local hero?

Collaborative work with veteran services

What does the local hero do?

Director of Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building and Veteran Village in Ben Lomond

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Chris has been instrumental in the visioning, locating, purchasing and development of the Ben Lomond Veteran Village. His leadership, organizational skills, and compassion have made the dream become reality. When fully operational, the Village will house appprox 25 veterans and, perhaps, even small families on a permanent basis. For many veterans, this is a lifechanging opportunity. Without Chris, this wouldn't have happened.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

If we had a hundred more people committed like Chris, we could end homelessness in our county within a year.

Thank you for all you do, Chris Cottingham!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.